Former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales will stand trial over his unwanted kiss with national team player Jenni Hermoso after a High Court judge admitted the case.
Mr. Rubiales is charged with sexual assault and coercion for his alleged actions after the kiss.
The offences carry prison sentences of one year and 18 months, the court said on Wednesday local time.
The Supreme Court said it would also try former women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda, the team’s current sporting director Albert Luque and the federation’s marketing chief Ruben Rivera.
All three are accused of coercing Ms. Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual.
Mr Rubiales, 46, grabbed Ms Hermoso and kissed her on the lips in August 2023, during the awards ceremony after Spain won the Women’s World Cup in Sydney, making global headlines and sparking a national debate in Spain about sexism.
The incident between Jenni Hermoso and Luis Rubiales was televised by millions of viewers around the world. (Reuters: Hannah McKay)
Ms. Hermoso and her teammates said the kiss was unwanted and degrading, but Mr. Rubiales maintained it was consensual and denied any wrongdoing.
The court set bail at 65,000 euros ($106,000) for Mr. Rubiales’ sexual assault charge and an additional 65,000 euros to be paid jointly by Mr. Rubiales, Mr. Vilda, Mr. Luque and Mr. Rivera for the coercion charge.
The case falls within the jurisdiction of the High Court because the alleged offences took place abroad.
Reuters
